POSITION

• WG-4742-10 Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

SALARY

• $30.12 to $35.15 per Hour

New Hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade 

selected.

PROGRAM AREA

• Plant Protection and Quarantine, Field Operations-Southwest

DUTY LOCATION

• Phoenix, AZ

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT

• Term

NUMBER OF VACANCIES

• 1

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional – Travel may be necessary for training and work assignments.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.

• Successful completion of one-year trial period or probationary period as applicable.

• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments 

made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.

• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your 

rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/

WHO MAY APPLY

Non-competitive Hiring Authorities. Veterans – VRA or 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Schedule A (persons with 

disabilities), Military Spouses, Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteer.

OVERVIEW

APHIS is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. 

agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and 
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carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is 

to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues.

Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is a program within APHIS which safeguards U.S. agriculture and natural 

resources against the entry, establishment, and spread of economically and environmentally significant pests, and 

facilitates the safe trade of agricultural products. Join our team and gain valuable experience working in the field 

to stop this invasive species from harming our nation’s agriculture.

This position is located at the Pink Bollworm Rearing Facility, located in Phoenix, AZ. Specialized work is 

performed in support of mass rearing of pink bollworm moths and other insects for use in a sterile insect release 

program. Primary responsibilities will be in maintaining air conditioning, heating, electrical, boiler, water 

treatment, plumbing work, chillers, and safety programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots a closed-loop gas hot water heating system, a low-pressure boiler 

system used for environmental humidification, and a high-pressure boiler used for processing equipment 

and sterilization.

• Maintains and repairs all walk-in coolers, air handlers, and heat exchangers.

• Maintains air conditioning, chillers, water treatment, and boiler plant.

• Utilizes blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair 

manuals.

• Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing plumbing systems which may include water, steam, and 

waste.

• Works with miscellaneous equipment including large motor control centers, distribution panels, large 

encapsulated rotary screw air compressors, cooling towers, screw chillers, suction and discharge pumps, 

condensate pumps, boiler feed pumps, safety valves, steam traps, and cold-plate heat exchanger, as well 

as a high-energy irradiator.

• Serves as the principal Operator of the computerized Alerton Building Management and Control System, a 

critical component of facility operation, which controls the heating, cooling, dust collection, fan coils, 

control centers, cooling towers, motors, pumps, and humidification systems.

• Monitors and tests operation of boiler systems to identify malfunctions and potential problems. 

Examines, adjusts, and repairs and replaces equipment as necessary.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants will be graded on a series of Job Element related questions and multiple-choice answers 

provided by the Hiring Organization. Answers must be supported by information in the applicants resume 

work history.

• Job Elements

o Ability to do the work of a utility systems repairer-operator without more than normal 

supervision.

o Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc.

o Technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).

o Knowledge of materials.

o Use of measuring instruments.

o Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading).

o Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
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HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to submit the following items for consideration PPQ.Recruitments@usda.gov. Please list 

the Position Title in the subject line.

• Applicants are required to submit the following items for consideration.

• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 

3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work 

schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other 

qualifications or certifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed 

and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.

• When claiming Veterans' preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, 

which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you 

must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable 

conditions within 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

• Disabled Veterans must also submit a VA Disability Letter (if applicable) for verification of serviceconnected disability.

• Schedule A candidates must include a Schedule A Letter for eligible disabled persons. To be eligible for 

Schedule A, you must provide a proof of a disability letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, 

severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. You can get this letter from your doctor, a licensed 

medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any federal, state, or local agency 

that issues or provides disability benefits. Letter must be on office Letterhead.

• Military Spouses must provide a copy of: Spouse ID card, Copy of Active-Duty spouses military orders, and 

marriage certificate.

• Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteers must provide their NCE letter.

• Must submit a copy of Transcripts if qualifying with education as listed in qualifications section. 

Transcripts can be unofficial but, if selected, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts 

before start date.

Equal Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

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